As another year draws to a close, the world of beauty has been in the spotlight, with countless moments that captured the imagination of fans and followers alike. Ahead of the much-anticipated “World’s Most Beautiful” issue by PEOPLE, featuring the fabulous Anne Hathaway on the cover, a poll was conducted inviting readers to vote for their standout beauty moments from the past twelve months. With thousands of votes cast, the results illuminate the trends and transformations that resonated most with audiences.
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Among the categories highlighted, one of the most intriguing was the “Celebrity Turning 60 Whose Skincare Routine You Most Envy.” Salma Hayek, who celebrates her 60th birthday this September, triumphed in this section. She has long been admired for her seemingly ageless beauty, prompting fans to speculate about the secrets behind her skincare routine. Fellow nominees Halle Berry, Janet Jackson, and Robin Wright also garnered attention; however, it was Hayek who took the top spot.


When it comes to memorable hair moments on screen, two particular styles captured the voters’ enthusiasm. The “Biggest Onscreen Hair Moment” category saw a competitive race between notable hairstyles, but it was the “Italian girl bob” sported by Emily in *Emily in Paris* that ultimately won over the audience. This was closely followed by Belly’s breakup bob in *The Summer I Turned Pretty*, illustrating the strong connection viewers have with beauty trends depicted across their favourite shows.
The recent Olympic Games also provided a platform for stunning beauty moments, with readers voting for Alysa Liu’s captivating look as their favourite. Liu mesmerised audiences not just with her remarkable talent, but also with her halo hairstyle, unique “smiley” frenulum piercing, and a choice of Rare Beauty lip gloss. Competing entrances included Eileen Gu’s extravagant bows and Amber Glenn’s elaborate braids, but Liu’s ensemble resonated the most with voters.
Timothée Chalamet’s ever-evolving hairstyles also became a topic of discussion. The “Most Compelling Timothée Chalamet Hair Length” section saw overwhelming support for his chin-length curls, securing 73% of the votes. This preference illustrates how the actor’s iconic style continues to influence his fans and the wider beauty community.
In the realm of makeup, Teyana Taylor was celebrated as the star who “Most Fun with Makeup”. Her creative flair outshone competitors such as Doja Cat and Zara Larsson, particularly following her stunning recreation of Janet Jackson’s tour look, which many judged to be a highlight of the year’s aesthetics. Taylor’s artistic approach to makeup continues to inspire her audience and set trends.
The category of “Most Surprising Breakover” revealed how audiences reacted to significant changes in celebrity appearances. Nicole Kidman’s new bangs and natural curls post-split from Keith Urban created quite the stir amongst readers, while other notable mentions included Ben Affleck’s dyed beard and Chase Stokes’ shaved head. These transformations highlight the ways in which personal life events can influence one’s style decisions.
Selena Gomez and her glam team also received recognition, winning the title for “Best Glam Squad”. Their artistry garnered favour over teams supporting Olivia Dean and Jennifer Garner, demonstrating the impact of a proficient beauty team on a celebrity’s overall look and how they resonate with the public.
Among those marking trends, the “Bessette Blonde” revival—an homage to Carolyn Bessette Kennedy—showed its modern-day relevance. Jennifer Lawrence emerged as the favourite for capturing this look, besting contenders such as Grace Van Patten and Sarah Pidgeon. The light, buttery highlights reminiscent of Bessette’s style have clearly inspired many to seek out this signature colour in salons across the UK.
The winners of these various categories reinforce the notion that beauty in all its forms continues to evolve, giving rise to both trends and moments that captivate audiences. As social media platforms, particularly TikTok, thrive on beauty trends, Elle Fanning’s “guava girl makeup” took the crown for the “Favorite Viral Makeup Trend”, illustrating the continuous influence of online culture on the beauty landscape.
In conclusion, the essence of beauty has been celebrated through the lenses of skincare, hair, and makeup, with public votes showcasing the diversity of influences that shape our perceptions today. Each winner reflects a moment or trend that struck a chord, reminding us that in the world of beauty, it’s all about personal expression and the joy it brings.
